Air velocity sensors for thermal management and filter monitoring applications

Posifa Technologies has unveiled the PAV3000 series of high-performance air velocity sensors with digital I2C output and a surface-mount footprint for thermal management and filter monitoring.

The PAV3000, unlike thermistor-based solutions, has a MEMS sensor core that is minimally affected by ambient temperature changes and which provides instant real-time feedback on proper air flow at critical locations.

Air velocity data complements temperature information to provide insight into thermal efficiency. Because the PAV3000 helps identify areas that require unusually high air flow to maintain stable temperatures, layouts for rack enclosures with air cooling — such as those found in data centres — can be modified to reduce cooling demands for increased energy savings.

In applications such as HVAC systems, air velocity measurements can be used to determine when filters need to be replaced, and ensures hardware is adequately protected during heavy use. It also allows customers with light usage requirements to benefit from extended change intervals.

PAV3000 series devices feature Posifa's third-generation thermal flow die, which uses a pair of thermopiles to detect changes in temperature gradient caused by mass flow. The result is repeatability of 1 % FS and accuracy of 5 % FS. The solid-state thermal isolation structure on the sensor die eliminates the need for a surface cavity or the fragile membrane used in competing technologies, making the sensor resistant to clogging and pressure shock.

Measuring air velocity at 7 m/s (PAV3005V) and 15 m/s (PAV3015V), the PAV3000 series devices offer extremely fast response times of 125 ms typical in a compact, robust package. The air velocity sensors feature a 12-bit digital output, 3.3 V supply voltage, and supply current of 13 mA.

Samples and production quantities of the PAV3000 series air velocity sensors are available now.